Where: The Jordan Trail.
Why: Since its establishment back in 2015, the 400-mile long Jordan Trail from Umm Qais to Aqaba on Jordan’s southern stretch of coast has become a regional classic.
All about
From its Crusader castles to the Roman ruins of Jerash and Biblical sites such as Mt Nebo, Jordan has many strings to its bow. The Dead Sea and coastal resort of Aqaba tick the R&R box while in Wadi Rum visitors can stay in Bedouin camps and sleep beneath the stars between hiking, pedalling or quadbiking the interior.
Most of the country’s greatest sights and experiences can be enjoyed while hiking the Jordan Trail. As travellers would need around 40 days to tackle the whole 400-mile trail, it’s divided into handy sections, the Dana to Petra stretch being the most popular section.
How to do it
KE Adventures’ eight-day Dana to Petra, Jordan Trekking costs from £1,545pp, including return flights to Amman, or £995 land only. Feb-April and Oct-Dec.
Alternative
Experience Jordan’s nine-day Jordan Trail — from Dana to Petra itinerary costs from £1,230, including land transportation, accommodation and guides.
Top trends
Adventure travel has been one of the major focuses this year. Highlights include the country’s many canyons or ‘siqs’, from hiking and abseiling to canyoning excursions.
The country is very well-suited for family soft adventure, such as Wild Frontiers’ 10-day Jordan Family Adventure. Cycling tours are growing in popularity. Terhaal, a Jordan-based DMC, alone offers six, from day excursions to the nine-day Jordan End 2 End. Other strengths include Red Sea diving trips off Aqaba.
Other positives include the launch of EasyJet’s handy new Gatwick-Aqaba service this winter (flies Saturdays; 10 November to 23 March).
Q&A: Jo Rolls, Head of Product at KE Adventures
Why is Jordan so great for adventure?
I don’t believe there’s anywhere else that offers so much in such a compact space. In one day you can go from hiking and climbing in the rocks and deserts to diving and snorkelling in the beautiful Red Sea. Plus, the weather is generally very good and the people are incredibly friendly.
What are some of your personal highlights?
My top Jordan highlights include Petra, without doubt. There’s so much more to it than just the Treasury and Monastery though, so take two to three days to explore the whole site. I also love visiting the Crusader castles, but I prefer the slightly less developed Shobek to Kerak. The food is also amazing. And what’s not to love about camel riding in Wadi Rum?
